Going into its 40th year of events and celebrations, British Blind Sport is pleased to confirm the date for the 2015 National Visually Impaired (VI) Youth Swimming Gala as Wednesday 11th March. Once again the annual event will take place in the West Midlands at the Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Solihull.

Hosted by British Blind Sport, this event is the only specific VI Youth swimming competition in the UK, attracting a number of blind or partially sighted young people from across the country.

Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport said: "We are thrilled to be hosting the national swimming gala for visually impaired young people from across the UK as year on year we see the event really make a difference to young people’s lives. The opportunity to compete with their peers in a competitive environment is both exciting and inspirational."

Both individuals and school groups will arrive at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre to compete, with a team of "tappers" to stand at the end of the pool and use a pole to tap the swimmers when they approach the wall, indicating when the swimmer should turn or end the race.

British Blind Sport’s Participation Delivery Officer, Ross Hayward, said, “Sport and recreational activities can enhance the lives of people with a visual impairment, by improving their health and increasing their social interaction. British Blind Sport is committed to support and deliver opportunities for young people to participate in activities at all levels.

The National VI Youth Swimming Gala provides a great opportunity for the young people to gain a positive experience of VI competition in a sociable and fun environment.”